Adaptable ostomy base plate

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an adaptable ostomy base plate ( 10 ) comprising a flexible top film ( 8 ), at least one elastic adhesive ( 6 ) disposed on the top film and at least one release liner ( 9 ), the base plate having at least a first convex section ( 1 ) that can be inverted to a concave section to be used for especially demanding skin surface conditions, such as in ostomists suffering from hernia.

The invention relates to an adaptable ostomy base plate. In particular,the invention relates to an adaptable ostomy base plate for ostomies orstomas located on a bulge or hernia on the skin surface of a user.

BACKGROUND

In connection with surgery for a number of diseases in thegastro-intestinal tract, one of the consequences in many cases is thatthe patient is left with an abdominal stoma, such as a colostomy, anileostomy or a urostomy in the abdominal wall for the discharge ofvisceral contents. The discharge of visceral contents cannot beregulated at will. For that purpose, the user will have to rely on anappliance to collect the material emerging from such opening in a bag,which is later emptied and/or discarded at a suitable time.

An ostomy appliance may be in the form of a one-piece appliance forwhich a collecting bag for human body wastes is permanently, or fixedly,secured to an adhesive base plate for attachment to the human skin.Alternatively, the ostomy appliance may be a two-piece appliancecomprising a base plate and a collecting bag which may be coupled to andun-coupled from each other through a coupling means. This has the effectthat the base plate does not need to be separated from the skin of theuser as often as exchange of the collecting bag requires. The base platemay need only to be changed every third or fourth day depending on theuser, whereas the collecting bag may be changed more than once per day.Typically, it is desirable to need as few exchanges of the base plate aspossible in order to reduce the risk of skin complications.

One of the main concerns of ostomates using ostomy appliances having anadhesive base plate for attachment to the skin surrounding a stoma, andwhere a collecting bag is attached to the base plate for collectingstoma output, is that the ostomy adhesive attachment may be compromisedresulting in leakage or even complete detachment of the ostomyappliance.

Numerous attempts have been made to solve this problem and even thoughsome attempts have been partly successful, still there exist no productswhich completely solve this problem.

One reason why this is so difficult to solve is the fact that stomas andpeoples anatomy are very different. Different considerations need to bemade for thin people than for larger people, for different skin types,for placement of the stoma which may vary a lot from person to person,for scar tissue surrounding the stoma, for local irregular skintopography and combinations of all of the above.

Particularly in relation to persons suffering from hernia, i.e. thephenomenon that a bodily structure (e.g. the intestine) protrudesthrough a rupture in smooth muscle tissue surrounding it, experienceshows that it is often very difficult to attach an ostomy appliance tothe skin surface where the hernia is located in a manner that providessatisfactory protection against leakage from stomal fluids. It is notuncommon that the surgical procedure undertaken to make a stoma on apatient also results in a weakening of the muscle tissue of the stomachwall which may consequently lead to the formation of a hernia where thestoma is located on the skin surface (or close or adjacent to thestoma).

In some cases where the stoma is located on a hernia, an additionalcomplication may occur as gravity forces the protruding intestinesdownward and consequently also force the involved skin surface downward.Thereby, a stoma located on the hernia may begin to “point” downward(i.e. towards the user's feet) depriving the user of direct visualcontact with the stoma and/or the peristomal skin surface. This is ofcourse a great disadvantage for users applying their product themselves(which is the great majority of users) since the risk of misalignment orimproper positioning of the product is largely increased. As aconsequence, in such cases leakage problems may occur much morefrequently.

Moreover, a hernia is not a static phenomenon. It is almost certainnever to take a perfect geometrical shape but instead often has a highlyirregular topography. This may be caused by many factors such asconditions in the physical surroundings of the user, level of activityof the user and contents of the bowels at any given time, just tomention a few.

In addition to the formation of hernias, other physical conditions orpathologies may also mean or lead to irregular skin topography such asbulges or otherwise “hilly” stomach skin surface, the causes includinge.g. trauma and/or obesity.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

EP1178766 discloses a deformable pad for removably securing an ostomybag to the skin of a patient consisting essentially of a plastics filmbonded to an adhesive material; the pad having an opening for receivingstomal waste, the opening being surrounded by (i) a pliable convexformation of substantially uniform thickness on a bodyside face of thepad, or (ii) a hollow frustoconical ring of substantially uniformthickness extending outwardly from a bodyside face of the pad.

GB2311467 describes an ostomy appliance comprising a pouch and anadhesive flange coupled to the pouch for securing the appliance withrespect to the skin of a wearer. The adhesive flange has an aperturewhich communicates with an interior of the pouch and comprises aplurality of fingers which extend away from the aperture. The documentalso describes an adhesive flange for an ostomy appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a base plate to be used as part of orwith an ostomy appliance. Particularly, the invention provides havingone or more sections having a shape that can be adapted or physicallyaltered from one shape to another in order to both assist the user inapplying the base plate in an easier manner and to achieve a better fitto the body. The base plate is especially advantageous to be used onusers suffering from and having their stoma located on a non-planar andnon-regular skin surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1a is a schematic sectional view of an ostomy base plate accordingto embodiments of the invention,

FIG. 1b is a schematic sectional view of an ostomy base plate accordingto other embodiments of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an ostomy base plate accordingto embodiments of the invention placed on the skin surface of a user,

FIG. 3-5 are schematic sectionals view of an ostomy base plate accordingto the embodiments introduced in FIG. 2 shown in different steps of theapplication procedure,

FIG. 6 is a schematic simplified sectional view of the a base plateconfiguration according to embodiments of the invention, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic planar top view of a distal surface of anadaptable ostomy base plate according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For interpretations in the context of the present application, somedefinitions regarding the subject matter of the attached claims arepresented below.

When referring to the proximal side of a device or part of a device, thereferral is to the skin-facing side, when the ostomy appliance is wornby a user. Likewise whenever referring to the distal side of a device orpart of a device, the referral is to the side facing away from the skin,when the ostomy appliance is worn by a user. In other words, theproximal side is the side closest to the user, when the appliance isfitted on a user and the distal side is the opposite side—the sidefurthest away from the user in use.

The axial direction, or axially, is defined as the direction of thestoma when the appliance is worn by a user. Thus the axial direction issubstantially perpendicular to the abdominal surface of the user.

The radial direction, or radially, is defined as transverse to the axialdirection that is transversely to the direction of the stoma.

An “adaptable ostomy base plate” is intended to define that at least apart of the ostomy base plate can change its form or shape by anintended interaction of a user or health care professional.

A “flexible top film” is intended to define a film material carrying orhaving disposed thereon, adhesive material to make the product adhere tothe skin of a user and that the top film material does not break orbecome weaker even at very high elongation or stretching rates. Aflexible top film is further defined below.

An “elastic skin-friendly adhesive” is intended to define an adhesivematerial having a low risk of irritating the skin of a user and that theadhesive material is capable of following the elongations andrelaxations of the flexible top film without breaking or substantiallychanging characteristics. An elastic skin-friendly adhesive is furtherdefined below.

A “substantially convex shape” is intended to define that an element orits corresponding surface has a shape or form that provides an overallconvexity. In other words, while a smaller section or zone making uppart of the overall element or its corresponding surface may have e.g. alinear shape or form, the element or surface as a whole has a convexshape. It is of course to be understood that if for a sheet- orplate-like element one major surface has a convex shape, the oppositemajor surface may necessarily have a corresponding concave shape.However, for clarification purposes only, and in relation to the presentapplication, “convex” may preferably refer to the proximal side and“concave” to the distal side as both defined above.

Similarly, a “substantially concave shape” is intended to define that anelement or its corresponding surface has a shape or form that providesan overall concavity.

“Initial engagement” is intended to define the first contact between theostomy base plate and the skin surface of the user in the process ofapplying the product; however not meaning that the ostomy base plate isfully and functionally correct attached to the skin surface.

“Permanent engagement” is intended to define the engagement orattachment of the ostomy base plate when the application process iscompleted and the ostomy base plate is fully and functionally correctattached to the skin surface. However, it should be understood thatpermanent engagement is only intended to mean for the normal life- orwear time of the ostomy base plate.

“Release liner” is intended to define a liner covering the proximal(skin contacting) side of the skin-friendly adhesive that ensures atleast that the properties of the adhesive are preserved and that theadhesive surface is not laid open until just before the use.

“Fittingly engage” is intended to define that the attachment between theostomy base plate and the skin surface is as good as possibly feasibleand at least with no or only insignificant creases or folds on theproximal surface of the base plate.

“Peristomal skin surface” is intended to define an area of the skinsurface adjacent to and surrounding the stoma. The extent of the areamay be considered to correspond approximately to a skin surface areacovered by at least a first section of the ostomy base plate—the firstsection then being closer to the stoma than a second section.

“Invertible” is intended to define that the at least first and/or secondsection provides little or no resistance to being shifted from asubstantially convex shape to a substantially concave shape, or viceversa, by a movement involving no sudden switching or “flipping-over” ofthe section (i.e. as it is known from a bi-stable construction which maychange shape when a certain force-threshold is reached).

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an adaptable ostomy baseplate comprising a flexible top film and having at least a first and asecond section, at least a first elastic skin-friendly adhesive on aproximal surface of said flexible top film, a stoma-receivingthrough-going hole in said first section, said first section beingadjacent to and extending radially from said through-going hole and saidsecond section surrounding said first section, and one or more releaseliners, wherein at least said first section has a first substantiallyconvex shape for initial engagement with a peristomal skin surface, atleast said first section being invertible to a first substantiallyconcave shape to fittingly engage said first section to a topography ofthe peristomal skin surface for permanent engagement thereto.

By the invention according to the first aspect, a number of advantageouseffects are achieved. First of all, a user having a stoma located on abulge or hernia, or on an otherwise “hilly” topographic skin surface,has improved control of the product application procedure.

This effect is at least partly achieved in the following manner:subsequent to removal of at least one release liner covering at leastpartly the first section, the user engages a part of the first sectionimmediately adjacent the stoma-receiving through-going hole with theperistomal skin surface, whereby only a small area of the adhesive onthe proximal surface of the flexible top film is engaged with theperistomal skin surface.

Thereby, the user is provided with the opportunity to correct thepositioning of the ostomy base plate to a more suitable position in caseof misalignment of the initial engagement without having engaged thewhole of the proximal adhesive surface of the flexible top film with theskin surface. This may be particularly advantageous in cases where theuser has limited or no visual contact with the stoma.

Furthermore, since at least the first section has a first substantiallyconvex shape, a user reaching down to the stoma located on the bulge orhernia in order to apply the product will have improved tactile and/orvisual contact with the stoma and/or the peristomal area. This isbecause the part of the first section not initially engaging theperistomal skin surface extends away from the skin surface, thus leavingsome space between the base plate and the skin giving room for one ormore of the user's fingers, and thereby the first section also does notblock or impede possible visual contact for correct positioning of thebase plate in relation to the stoma.

Once the initial engagement of the first section is effected, theinvertible first section is inverted by the user to a firstsubstantially concave shape so as to fittingly engage the first sectionwith the peristomal skin surface on the bulge or hernia.

It is important to understand the manner in which this is done. Due tothe flexibility of the flexible top film and the elasticity of theskin-friendly adhesive, the adhesive proximal side of the first sectionwill adapt smoothly to the topography of the peristomal skin surfacewhen the user applies a gentle pressure to the distal surface of thefirst section.

This may advantageously, but not exclusively, be done by the userletting his finger or fingers describe one or more radial motions byplacing the finger(s) immediately adjacent the stoma, providing pressureto the distal surface, and sliding the finger gently across the distalsurface of the first section radially away from the stoma.Alternatively, the adaptation may be done by a motion placing a fingerimmediately adjacent to the stoma, providing pressure to the distalsurface, and sliding the finger gently in a “spiral-like” patterngradually away from the stoma over the whole distal surface of the firstsection.

However, regardless of the way of adaptation, at least the flexibilityof the flexible top film and the elasticity of the skin-friendlyadhesive along with the first substantially convex shape of the firstsection make the fitting engagement of the first section possible.

As can be understood from the above, the flexible top film and theelastic skin-friendly adhesive facilitate the inversion of the firstsection for application to the peristomal skin surface by a continuous,regular movement (or movements). This provides a user with improvedcontrol of the application procedure. This should be seen in contrast toa sudden movement which would be the case e.g. in the case of abi-stable construction, i.e. a construction having one predeterminedposition where it changes shape from one form to another, e.g. fromconvex to concave.

The flexible top film according to the invention may be a blown filmprimarily based on one or more Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) materials,one or more thermoplastic polyurethane elastomeric (TPU) based materialsand one or more polyethylene (PE) materials. Particularly, but notexclusively, the EVA and TPU based materials may provide a good basisfor engagement of the top film with other elements of the ostomy baseplate such as the adhesive(s) and optional first coupling means, or inthe case of the base plate being used for a one-piece ostomy appliance,with the material of the collecting bag for human body wastes. The PEmaterial(s) may particularly, but not exclusively, provide a suitablebasis for shaping the flexible top film into a convex or concave shapeto be able to fittingly engage with a topography of a user's skinsurface.

In embodiments, the flexible top film is a three-layer laminate.

Particularly, but not exclusively, the flexible top film may be made asa laminate comprising three individual (blown) layers each of which ismade from either EVA, TPU or PE or from a blend of these. In thethree-layer laminate, the distal-most (with reference to the usesituation of the ostomy base plate) layer may be made from a blend ofElvax® 3190, an EVA material from DuPont, and Orevac® 18360, a PEmaterial from Arkema; the middle layer may be made from a blend ofElvax® 3190, Elastollan® 890, a TPU-Polyester material from BASF andElastollan® 978, another TPU-Polyester material from BASF and; theproximal layer may also be made from a blend of Elvax® 3190, Elastollan®890 and Elastollan® 978. In addition to these components each of thedistal and proximal layers of the three-layer laminate may also comprisea minor amount of slip agent (to assist when unrolling the top filmmaterial for production of the ostomy base plate). The slip agent may bea PE/EVA polymer carrier containing silica, oleamid (fatty acid oleicacid) and erucamide (monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid), such asPolystatic® 90200-2. The silica and the ole-/erucamides in the slipagent provide the slipping effect.

The overall thickness of the flexible top film may be in a range of30-70μ, such as 35-50μ, such as approximately 40μ. In embodiments of thethree-layer laminate, each individual layer may have a thickness of atleast 10μ for ease of production of the individual layers.

The flexible top film may be stretched prior to being used in theproduction of the ostomy base plate. This will provide a pre-tensioningor bias in the flexible top film. The flexible top film may be stretchedradially in all directions to obtain the same bias in all directions ofthe plane thereof. This pre-tensioning or bias in the flexible top filmincurs additional flexibility to the flexible top film. Particularly, itmay improve the film's ability to adapt to a certain shape in a shapingprocess.

The flexible top film may have a flexibility measured as a percentage ofelongation of the flexible top film material before it fails (consideredas the point where plastic deformation of the flexible top film occurs).The flexible top film may be 250-700% elongatable, such as 300-600%elongatable, such as 350-450% elongatable, such as 400% elongatablebefore failure.

The first elastic skin-friendly adhesive according to the invention maybe a pressure sensitive adhesive composition suitable for medicalpurposes comprising a rubbery elastomeric base and one or more watersoluble or water swellable hydrocolloids, the adhesive compositioncomprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of 25-60% of one or morepolyisobutylenes, 3-35% of one or more styrene copolymers, and 20-60% ofone or more hydrocolloids, wherein the percentage by weight of one ormore polyisobutylenes and one or more styrene copolymers and one or morehydrocolloids add up to 100% by weight of the adhesive composition. Forfurther information on such compositions reference is made toapplicant's granted European patent EP1541180B1.

The thickness of the first elastic skin-friendly adhesive layer may bein a range of 1-2 mm, corresponding to 1000μ-2000μ, such as 1200μ-1800μ,such as 1400μ-1600μ.

For the production of the ostomy base plate, the following is an exampleof manufacture: first the adhesive(s) is/are provided on the proximalsurface of the flexible top film and thereafter the at least one releaseliner is provided on the adhesive surface. At least the first section ofthe planar laminate blank is then subsequently placed in avacuum-forming machine, the moulding tool having the relevant convexform. Heating means, such as a radiant heat source is placed inconnection with the vacuum-forming machine in order to soften thelaminate blank, and the laminate blank is subjected to heat and vacuumforming for an adequate holding time. Alternatively, the laminate blankmay also be manufactured by means of a heat and pressure die or indeedany other suitable procedure.

In embodiments where the second section of the ostomy base plate is alsoconvex shaped (or concave shaped) the moulding tool used in the processdescribed above may be configured to provide both convex shapes (orconvex shape of the first section and concave shape of the secondsection). Alternatively, the shaping process may be divided into moresteps, e.g. first shaping the first section and separately shaping thesecond section. The stoma-receiving through-going hole may be cut in theostomy base plate before or after the shaping process.

Due to its elasticity, the first skin-friendly adhesive may easily adaptto the convex shape of at least the first section together with theflexible top film and the at least one release liner in the shapingprocess. Indeed, subjected to the above described shaping process, atleast the first section of the ostomy base plate according to theinvention initially always has the convex shape notwithstanding its highdegree of adaptability. As mentioned, this may be seen in contrast toe.g. the known bi-stable convex ostomy products that are relativelyrigid and only adaptable in an “either inverted/not inverted” sense.

The at least one release liner used in connection with the ostomy baseplate according to the invention, may suitably be a siliconised orfluorinated liner, such as a siliconised or fluorinated craft paper,polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate film.

In embodiments, the second section has a second substantially convexshape being invertible to a second substantially concave shape.

This may be particularly advantageous to further improve the tactileand/or visual contact with the stoma and/or the peristomal area. In suchembodiments, where then both the first and the second sections initiallyextend away from the skin surface, there will be additional spacebetween the base plate and the skin giving plenty of room for the user'smanual handling of the base plate during application. Also, thereby thesecond section does not block or impede the user's visual contact withthe stoma.

The second section may be inverted and permanently engaged to the skinsurface of the user in the same or substantially similar manner as thefirst section and as described above. The engagement of the secondsection to the skin surface is generally carried out after the firstsection has been permanently engaged with the peristomal skin surface.However, in the case of a two-piece ostomy appliance, it may beadvantageous to engage the second section to the skin surface of theuser only after the collecting bag has been coupled to correctengagement with the ostomy base plate.

The second section surrounds the first section of the adaptable ostomybase plate. In embodiments, a transition between the first and thesecond section may be defined by a zone where the two convex sectionsmeet at an angle to each other.

This may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous if easydistinction of the sections by the user is required, e.g. facilitatingthe user's following of instructions for use. In other embodiments, thetransition may be straight or smooth (i.e. no angle between thesections) thus ruling out at least any visual difference between thesections. If the first and second sections are arranged according tosuch embodiments there may be no difference between the convexity of thefirst and second section, thus the first and second section may beperceived, or actually manufactured, as a single “coherent” or integralconvex section. This may be particularly relevant in relation tominimizing production costs.

Additionally, however, the first and the second section may havedifferent convexities. This could by way of example be relevant inrelation to different dimensions and/or sizes of the ostomy base plate.

In embodiments, the second section has a second substantially concaveshape. This should be seen in contrast to the embodiments describedabove wherein the second section is invertible to a second substantiallyconcave shape. Therefore, in these embodiments the second section has apre-defined substantially concave shape. A transition between the firstand second section is defined by a zone where the two sections meet atan angle to each other. Consequently, the initial substantially convexshape of the first section makes the first section extend away from theskin surface, while the substantially concave shape of the secondsection makes the second section extend toward the skin surface from theposition of the transition between the sections.

This may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous where theadaptable ostomy base plate according to the invention is used in atwo-piece ostomy appliance with adhesive-type coupling means. In suchtwo-piece appliances a planar coupling flange is typically attached tothe distal side of the base plate and receives mating(pressure-sensitive adhesive) coupling means attached around the openingof a collecting bag for human bodily wastes. Optimization of thecoupling effect of these adhesive-type coupling means requires that theuser is capable of applying the necessary pressure to properly engagethe adhesive. In this regard, it is particularly advantageous if theuser can apply pressure to a distal side of the coupling (e.g. with hisindex finger), while simultaneously holding against the proximal side ofthe coupling (e.g. with his thumb). Therefore, as the concave shape ofthe second section according to these embodiments of the inventionenables more space between the proximal side of the planar couplingflange and the distal side of the second section, the user can moreeasily apply e.g. his thumb in that space which effectively improves thecoupling procedure.

In embodiments, the ostomy base plate according to the invention furthercomprises a substantially planar surface zone between said first andsecond sections.

“Substantially planar” is intended to define that a surface zone of theostomy base plate has a linear or planar form close to parallel with astraight horizontal line; at least it is not inclined in relation tosuch horizontal line by more than +/−10 degrees. At least thisdefinition is meant to clearly identify that the surface zone does notpossess any kind of convex or concave shape in contrast to the first andsecond section.

The substantially planar surface zone between the sections may provideextra control with regard to the user's handling of the product in theapplication procedure and may further hinder that the first and/or thesecond sections become obstructive in e.g. the distal or proximaldirection with regard to e.g. the user's clothes or with regard to otherobjects or other physical areas of contact on the user's body. This maybe particularly, but not exclusively, efficient, if a relatively largeadhesive area of the ostomy base plate is needed (e.g. for high-volumeoutput collecting bags).

The substantially planar surface zone may form at least part of a firsttransition between the first section and the zone and/or form at leastpart of a second transition between the second section and the zone.

In embodiments, the substantially planar surface zone distallyaccommodates first coupling means for coupling engagement withcorresponding coupling means on a collecting bag for human body wastes.

The first coupling means may comprise an annular ring having a flange orsimilar member extending axially away from the planar surface zone toengage with engaging second coupling means on a collecting bag such as acorresponding annular ring with a channel for receiving the flange.Alternatively, the first coupling means may comprise a radiallyextending annular flange that provides a receiving surface for receiptof second coupling means on a collecting bag such as an annular adhesiveflange. However, these are mere examples of typical coupling means forostomy appliances; others types of engaging coupling means are not to beconsidered excluded.

The first coupling means may be attached to the substantially planarsurface by welding, heat laminating, gluing or other commonly knownsuitable joining procedures. In some cases, the first coupling meansneed not be directly joined to the surface, but may instead be joinedthrough means of an additional intermediate element, such as a filmmaterial element connected to the substantially planar surface at oneend and to the first coupling means at another end.

By accommodating the first coupling means in the first substantiallyplanar surface zone a user faced with applying the collecting bag to thebase plate by engaging the first and second coupling means may beprovided with the possibility of holding his thumb against thesubstantially planar surface zone proximally while applying pressurewith his index finger on the distal side of the coupling means. This isadvantageous for achieving a safer and more complete engagement of thecoupling means thus leading to reduced risk of leakages. Furthermore, byaccommodating the first coupling means on the substantially planarsurface zone the joining of the first coupling means to the zone iseasier and thus production costs are reduced.

In other embodiments, the first or second section distally comprisesfirst coupling means for engagement with corresponding coupling means ona collecting bag for human body wastes.

In these embodiments, the first coupling means may be provided on eitherthe first or the section. However, this does not rule out the presenceof a possible substantially planar surface zone between the first andthe second sections. Positioning the first coupling means on the firstsection may be particularly advantageous if the adhesive proximalsurface of the ostomy base plate is relatively small e.g. lack of asuitable adhesive receiving skin surface due to additional physicalconditions on the user's skin surface. A position of the first couplingmeans on the second section may e.g. be advantageous in the case of alarge diameter stoma situated on a relatively small bulge or hernia.

In embodiments, the adaptable ostomy base plate comprises a secondskin-friendly adhesive on the proximal surface of the flexible top film.

The second skin-friendly adhesive may be provided so as to give theproximal surface of the base plate different characteristics and/oreffects. As an example, the second skin-friendly adhesive may comprisesmaller or a larger amount of a moisture absorbing component such ashydrocolloids and/or be more or less adaptable than the firstskin-friendly adhesive. The second skin-friendly adhesive may beprovided in a single or in multiple zones or areas. The zones or areasmay have particular suitable shapes or forms depending on the functionor effect of the second skin-friendly adhesive.

In embodiments, the first elastic skin-friendly adhesive is provided onthe first section and the second skin-friendly adhesive is provided onthe second section.

This disposition of the first and second skin-friendly adhesiveeffectively provides an ostomy base plate wherein the firstskin-friendly adhesive having one set of characteristics covers theperistomal area, and the second skin-friendly adhesive having anotherset of characteristics covers the skin surface around (radially beyond)the peristomal skin surface.

In embodiments, the second skin-friendly adhesive is elastic. Thismeans, that in addition to the first elastic skin-friendly adhesive,also the second skin-friendly adhesive has elastic properties. Thesecond skin-friendly adhesive may be more or may be less elastic thanthe first elastic skin-friendly adhesive or the two adhesives may evenhave identical elasticities if desired.

Where the elasticity of a construction is typically measured by thetensile elasticity Modulus (E) (also known as Young's Modulus) theelasticity of an adhesive is typically measured by the shear Modulus(G).

The shear Modulus of a viscoelastic material like an adhesive can bedivided into a viscous part called the Loss Modulus (G″) and an elasticpart called the Storage Modulus (G′). The elastic response of theadhesives can therefore be measured by measuring G′ by dynamicmechanical analysis (DMA), which is a well-known and establishedprocedure to a skilled person working in the field of adhesives.

Body movements according to normal daily life routines typically occurat frequencies around 1-10 Hz. At these frequencies, the G′ of the firstelastic skin-friendly adhesive may be in a range from 850-1200 MPa,whereas G′ of the second elastic skin-friendly adhesive may be in arange from 40-80 MPa.

In embodiments, the second elastic skin-friendly adhesive comprises apolar plasticising oil or a combination of polar plasticising oils inthe content of above 10% (w/w) of the final second adhesive, and atleast one polar polyethylene copolymer, wherein the content of thepolyethylene copolymer is 10-50% (w/w) of the final second adhesive, thepolyethylene copolymer has a melt flow index below 2 g/10 min (190°C./21.1N).

Polymers that may be used for the second skin-friendly adhesive willgenerally be copolymers of ethylene and a polar monomer. The copolymerstypically comprise less than about 70% ethylene, have water vapourtransmission of more than 50 g/m²/day and a melt flow index of less than2 g/10 min (190° C./21.1N). The melt flow index can be measured by themethods given in ISO 1133 and ASTM D1238. Examples of such polymers arecopolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene andbutyl acrylate. Particularly preferred is ethylene and vinyl acetatecopolymers with more than about 40% (w/w) vinyl acetate, a melt flowindex of less than 2 g/10 min (190° C./21.1N), and a water vapourtransmission of more than 50 g/m²/day for a 150 μm sheet when measuredaccording to MVTR Test Method (inverted cup method).

Polar oils, which may be used in the invention, will generally be thosethat have good solubility in the polar domains of the polymer, i.e.provide softness without sacrificing too much tensile strength of thepolymer. Oils that can support good water vapour permeability arepreferred. Examples of such oils are vegetable and animal oils andderivatives thereof. Preferred polar oils are esters, ethers and glycolsand particularly preferred is Poly Propylene Oxide, e.g.alpha-butoxy-polyoxypropylene.

Further information on the types of adhesives suitable for the secondskin-friendly adhesive disclosed in these embodiments is available inapplicant's published application WO 2009/006901A1.

In embodiments, the thickness of the second elastic skin-friendlyadhesive is 300-700μ, such as 550-650μ, such as 600μ.

Particularly, when using the above defined polyethylene copolymer basedadhesive as the second elastic adhesive in the thickness of 300-700μ, aflexible and soft adhesive base plate which can be handled without astiffening, or stabilizing, layer is achieved. For further informationon the combination of such a thickness range and the definedpolyethylene copolymer, reference is made to applicant's publishedapplication WO 2012/022352A1.

In embodiments, at least the second section further comprises areinforcing element. Thereby, the second section may be easier to handlebecause it is at least partly stiffened or stabilized by the reinforcingelement. Particularly in the case of a relatively large (diameter)ostomy base plate according to the invention this may help the user tocontrol the product. By way of example, the reinforcing element could bea permeable or perforated film layer such as of a blown film but alsoincluding non-wovens or foamed film layers. The reinforcing element maybe embedded in the second skin-friendly adhesive or located between thedistal surface of the adhesive and the proximal surface of the flexibletop film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Initially, it shall be noted that the figures are schematicillustrations intended only to address the principles and functions ofthe base plate according to the invention and are not to be consideredlimiting to the scope of the attached claims. Furthermore, the figuresand particularly the individually illustrated elements are notnecessarily to scale, neither individually nor in relation to eachother.

FIG. 1a shows a schematic sectional view of an adaptable ostomy baseplate 10 according to embodiments of the invention. The base plate has afirst section 1 and a second section 2 a and is further shown with anoptional substantially planar surface zone 3 between the first 1 andsecond 2 a sections. The first 1 and second 2 a sections have asubstantially convex shape. At first transition 5 between the first 1and second 2 a sections is also indicated. The ostomy base plate 10comprises a flexible top film 8 having disposed thereon at least a firstelastic skin-friendly adhesive 6. Up until use, the ostomy base plate 10further comprises at least one release liner 9 (FIG. 6) on the at leastfirst adhesive. The ostomy base plate 10 may optionally further compriseat least a second skin-friendly adhesive 7 (FIG. 1b ) disposed on theflexible top film 8. A stoma-receiving through-going hole 4 is alsoillustrated. Finally, first coupling means 20 for engagement with secondcoupling means on a collecting bag for human body wastes.

FIG. 1b also shows a schematic sectional view of an adaptable ostomybase plate 10 according to alternative embodiments of the invention. Thebase plate 10 has a convex shaped first section 1 and a concave shapedsecond section 2 b. The configuration of the base plate 10 according tothese embodiments are particularly useful when the first coupling meansfor engagement with second coupling means on a collecting bag for humanbody wastes is a planar flange 30, as shown in the figure. This providesspace for a user to place a finger between the distal surface 11 (FIG.2) of the ostomy base plate 10 and the proximal side 13 of the planarflange 30, so as to press the second coupling means on the collectingbag (such as an adhesive flange) securely onto the planar flange 30.

FIG. 2 is another schematic sectional view showing the ostomy base plate10 in an initial position in the procedure of applying the base plate 10to a user's skin surface 16. After removal of one or more release linerscovering at least the first section 1, the first section 1 is broughtinto initial engagement with the peristomal skin surface 17 surroundinga stoma S. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the convex shape of thefirst 1 and second 2 a sections of these embodiments keeps a majority ofthe proximal surface 12 of the base plate 10 out of contact with theskin surface 16,17 which aids the user in the application proceduresince focus need only be on the first section. Additionally, as it isinitially only the innermost part of the first section 1 immediatelyadjacent to the stoma S that is in adhesive contact with the peristomalskin surface 17, the user is provided with a possibility of adjusting orcorrecting the position of the base plate 10 before applying a largeradhesive area. Furthermore the ostomy base plate 10 is shown in positionon a bulge or hernia 15 on the user's skin surface 16. Due to the convexshape of at least the first section 1, the ostomy base plate 10according to the invention is particularly suitable for users sufferingfrom hernia.

FIG. 3 is another schematic sectional view showing the ostomy base plate10 in a next step of the application procedure. Part of the firstsection 1 has been permanently engaged with the peristomal skin surface17 (FIG. 2) by a user applying pressure to the distal surface 11 withone or more fingers F. A remaining part of the first section 1 and thesecond section 2 a, both with substantially convex shape, have not yetbeen engaged with the skin surface 16. As indicated, at least the secondsection 2 a may have disposed a second skin-friendly adhesive 7 thereon.Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 3, the second section 2 a mayhave at least one release liner (separate from release liner(s) on thefirst section 1) covering at least part of the second section 2 a. Ascan be understood from FIG. 3 at least, in the application procedure itmay be an advantage to keep release liner(s) on the second section 2 ain place until the first section 1 has been fully, permanently engagedwith the peristomal skin surface 17.

FIG. 4 is another schematic sectional view showing the ostomy base plate10 in a next step of the application procedure. In this figure, only alast part of the second section 2 a remains unengaged with the skinsurface 16.

In FIG. 5, which again is another schematic sectional view showing theostomy base plate 10 it is completely and correctly applied to the skinsurface 16 of a user. Thus, the first section 1 is permanently engagedwith the peristomal skin surface 17 and the second section 2 ispermanently engaged with the surrounding skin surface 16. As can be seenfrom FIG. 5, the adaptable ostomy base plate 10 according to theinvention thus fittingly engages the skin surface on the bulge or hernia15. The shown (optional) first coupling means 20 are ready forengagement with corresponding second coupling means on a collecting bagin the case of a two-piece implementation of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a simple schematic sectional view of a cut-out of theadaptable ostomy base plate 10. The cut-out is not shown with a convexshape, but it is to be understood that this could evenly be the casedepending on the width of the cut-out considered. The base plate 10 hasa flexible top film 8, a skin-friendly adhesive layer 6 and a releaseliner 9. The relative thicknesses between the different layers are onlyshown to differentiate the layers from each other and shall not beconsidered an actual display of any relational thicknesses.

FIG. 7 is a schematic planar top view of the distal surface 11 of theadaptable ostomy base plate 10. The base plate 10 is shown with acircular configuration but may also be applied with an oval orelliptical configuration. Illustrated are a second section 2 and a firstsection 1. The first section 1 is shown hosting first coupling means 20in the form of an annular ring for engagement with correspondingcoupling means on a collecting bag (not shown). A transition 5 betweenthe first 1 and second section 2 is shown highlighted by circular line14, however the transition 5 is not necessarily visible in reality, atleast not on the distal surface 11 of the base plate 10.

EXAMPLE

In a particular example of the adaptable ostomy base plate according tothe invention, which may be further understood by consulting thedrawing, particularly FIGS. 6 & 7, the following materials, dimensionsand process parameters are applied:

The flexible top film is a non-stretched, three-layer laminate whereinthe distal-most layer is a blend of Elvax® 3190 and Orevac® 18360; themiddle layer is a blend of Elvax® 3190, Elastollan® 890 and Elastollan®978; the proximal layer is a blend of Elvax® 3190, Elastollan® 890 andElastollan® 978. The distal and proximal layers additionally comprise aminor amount of slip agent according to the invention. The thickness ofthe flexible top film is 40μ.

A first elastic skin-friendly adhesive according to the invention isprovided on the proximal surface of the flexible top film in an area orzone corresponding to the first section of the base plate (numeral 1 inFIG. 7). The thickness of the first elastic skin-friendly adhesive isapproximately 1600μ (subject to negligible production variations).

A second skin-friendly adhesive is chosen as an elastic skin-friendlyadhesive according to embodiments of the invention, and is provided onthe proximal surface of the flexible top film in an area or zonecorresponding to the second section of the base plate (numeral 2 in FIG.7). The second section annularly surrounds the first section of the baseplate. The thickness of the second elastic skin-friendly adhesive isapproximately 600μ (subject to neglicable production variations).

A single release liner according to the invention is provided on theproximal adhesive surface of the base plate. The release liner has athickness of 80μ.

In the example, both the first and the second section have asubstantially convex shape. To obtain the substantially convex shapes,an ostomy base plate blank (flexible top film+adhesives+release liner)as defined in this example is pre-heated at 150° C. for 28 seconds andthen formed in a vacuum-forming machine with a moulding tool providedwith two respectively convex sections. The depth of the convexities inthe moulding tool is 12 mm. A pre-defined stoma receiving through-goinghole (size e.g. Ø25 mm) is punched in the ostomy base plate blank afterthe vacuum-forming.

In the example, the ostomy base plate has a circular configuration withan overall diameter of Ø100 mm. The base plate allows the user theopportunity to adapt the pre-defined stoma receiving through-going holeto fit the size and shape of his individual stoma up to a maximumdiameter of Ø53 mm (in FIG. 7 this may be considered illustrated bynumeral 4).

The second section 2 of the base plate 10 annularly surrounding thefirst section (see FIG. 7), is at least 10 mm wide. Furthermore, in theexample (and as schematically illustrated in FIG. 7) the first section 1extends at least 10 mm radially beyond a radially outer periphery of thefirst coupling means in the form of annular ring 20. The portion of thefirst section 1 extending radially inward of the first coupling means 20depends on the size of the user-adapted stoma receiving hole 4 asdescribed above.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adaptable ostomy base plate comprising:a flexible top film having a first section and a second section; a firstelastic adhesive disposed on a proximal surface of the flexible topfilm; a stoma-receiving through-going hole formed in the first section,with the first section located adjacent to and extending radially fromthe through-going hole and the second section surrounding the firstsection; and a release liner removably attached to the first elasticadhesive; wherein the first section is adapted to be inverted to form afirst concave shape relative to a distal surface of the flexible topfilm and the second section has a convex shape that is adapted to beinverted to form a second concave shape relative to the distal surfaceof the flexible top film.
 2. The adaptable ostomy base plate accordingto claim 1, further comprising a planar surface zone between the firstsection and the second section.
 3. The adaptable ostomy base plateaccording to claim 2, wherein the planar surface zone includes a firstcoupling member adapted to engage with a collecting bag adapted toreceive human body wastes.
 4. The adaptable ostomy base plate accordingto claim 1, wherein one of the first section and the second sectioncomprises a first coupling member adapted to engage with a collectingbag adapted to receive human body wastes.
 5. The adaptable ostomy baseplate according to claim 1, comprising a second adhesive different fromthe first elastic adhesive, with the second adhesive disposed on theproximal surface of the flexible top film.
 6. The adaptable ostomy baseplate according to claim 5, wherein the first elastic adhesive isprovided on the first section and the second adhesive is provided on thesecond section.
 7. The adaptable ostomy base plate according to claim 5,wherein the second adhesive is elastic.
 8. The adaptable ostomy baseplate according to claim 7, wherein the second elastic adhesivecomprises a polar plasticizing oil or a combination of polarplasticizing oils having a content of above 10% (w/w) of the finalsecond adhesive, and at least one polar polyethylene copolymer, whereina content of the polyethylene copolymer is 10-50% (w/w) of the finalsecond adhesive, and the polyethylene copolymer has a melt flow indexbelow 190° C./21.1N.
 9. The adaptable ostomy base plate according toclaim 8, wherein a thickness of the second elastic adhesive is 300-700μm.
 10. The adaptable ostomy base plate according to claim 1, whereinthe second section further comprises a reinforcing element.
 11. Theadaptable ostomy base plate according to claim 1, wherein the flexibletop film is a three-layer laminate.
 12. The adaptable ostomy base plateaccording to claim 11, wherein the flexible top film is adapted toelongate in a range from 400% to 700% before failure.